Hammad Azhar’s mother moves LHC for son’s recovery

The mother of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking the

The mother of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking the recovery of her son after his reported detention in Multan.

The petition was filed on Monday. The Punjab Inspector General of Police, Lahore Capital City Police Officer and other relevant authorities have been made respondents in the case.

According to the petition, Hammad Azhar was taken into custody in Multan around two days ago. However, he has not yet been produced before a court. His mother has asked the high court to order the authorities to disclose his whereabouts and present him before the court.

The petitioner has also sought directions for the authorities to formally disclose the grounds of his arrest. She has requested that the complete record of cases registered against her son be presented before the court.

The development comes amid conflicting reports about the legal status of Azhar’s detention. Police sources have said that he was taken into custody in Multan and later handed over to Lahore Police for further proceedings. However, reports have also indicated that his arrest had yet to be formally documented by Lahore’s investigation police.

Police officials have said that Azhar is wanted in several cases registered in Lahore and other cities. Most of the cases are linked to the violent incidents of May 9, 2023. Officials have also said that he had been declared a proclaimed offender after failing to appear before courts hearing cases against him.

According to police sources, Azhar was wanted in a May 9 case involving an alleged attack on the Government Officers’ Residences (GOR) Gate in Lahore. An anti-terrorism court had reportedly declared him a proclaimed offender and issued permanent arrest warrants against him. Police sources have also claimed that he is nominated in more than 50 cases related to the May 9 incidents.

Hammad Azhar remained largely out of public view after the May 9 violence. He had been facing multiple cases and had reportedly remained in hiding to avoid arrest. His detention in Multan has now brought his long absence from the public eye into renewed focus.

The May 9 violence began after PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. Protests erupted across several parts of the country. Demonstrators attacked and damaged public buildings and military installations, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore.

The PTI has strongly criticised Azhar’s arrest. The party has described the action as political victimisation and state repression. It has demanded that Azhar be presented before a court and that his constitutional and legal rights be protected.

Azhar previously served as federal minister during the PTI government. He also served as the party’s Punjab president. He resigned from the position in 2024, citing restrictions on his movements and difficulties in accessing Imran Khan.